Cash for access hits Labour - again

Sun, 21/03/2010 - 12:11

The SNP MP who uncovered the cash for honours scandal in the Lords has hit out after it was revealed that senior Labour MPs had been pursuing lucrative opportunities with lobbying firms by promising access to Labour Ministers whilst still members of parliament.

In an undercover investigation, Channel Four's Dispatches programme and the Sunday Times revealed that over the past few weeks several MPs, including three former Labour cabinet ministers — Stephen Byers, Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon — offered themselves for lobbying work at rates of thousands of pounds a day.

"At the forthcoming election, voters across Scotland will have a straight choice between SNP candidates who will champion local causes and Labour politicians who are out for what they can get.

"The Westminster Parliament has been left totally discredited - from cash for honours, to the expenses scandal and now cash for access Labour, have presided over the deep decline in standards that has left voters disenfranchised and disheartened with politics.

"If the people want to regain control of parliament at this election, it is essential they don't just elect another Labour or Tory politician but vote for a local champion.

"MPs selling access on their way out of the door encapsulates the disgraceful attitude of the metropolitican parties toward the people they represent

"For decades Labour MPs have been serving themselves instead of serving the people. MPs should be putting their constituents first - not their own business interests."